Elimination of all forms of violence against women

TERMS OF REFERENCE PROJECT OFFICER VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

The United Nations Division for the Advancement of Women is seeking a project officer to support follow up to the Secretary-General’s in-depth study on all forms of violence against women (A/61/122/Add 1 and Corr 1) and General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/143 on “Intensification of efforts to eliminate all forms of violence against women” (see below).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Chief of the Women’s Rights Section in the Division for the Advancement of Women, the incumbent performs the following duties and responsibilities in follow-up to the Study, and General Assembly resolution A/RES/61/143: (1) Conceptualize, and provide guidance in designing and maintaining a database on violence against women;
(2) Research and identify information for inclusion in the database;
(3) Organize expert meetings and undertake consultative processes aimed at strengthening the knowledge base and proposing further policy and programme responses for action by different stakeholders;
(4) Undertake research and analysis on various aspects of violence against women, with a focus on emerging issues, inter-sectionalities and particular groups of women, develop policy recommendations in response to gaps and challenges identified, and prepare briefings for Member States and other stakeholders thereon;
(5) Propose ways to strengthen attention to violence against women in all its forms in relevant inter-governmental processes; (6) Undertake technical cooperation activities and capacity building efforts to strengthen follow-up to the GA resolution at national level, in cooperation in particular with the Regional Commissions;
(7) Collaborate and coordinate work on violence against women with entities of the UN system.

COMPETENCIES

Professionalism: Comprehensive knowledge of gender equality norms, standards and practice, with particular emphasis on violence against women; very good knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines related to gender equality; strong analytical capacity and ability to identify and analyze proposed norms and policies for compliance with international standards. Leadership: Ability to oversee work of more junior staff in research and analysis, and report writing. Planning and organizing own work and that of others. Communication: Excellent communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts and recommendations at senior levels, both orally and in writing, in a clear, concise style. Teamwork: Very good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations and partnerships in a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Technological awareness: Good computer skills, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, databases, Internet-based research, web design and other relevant software packages.

EDUCATION

Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent), preferably in law, political science, international relations, gender studies or other disciplines related to gender equality.

WORK EXPERIENCE

At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the field of gender equality, particularly in violence against women and women’s human rights, with some experience at regional and/or international level. Experience with databases and web design is highly desirable.

LANGUAGES

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English is a requirement. Proficiency in a second official language is desirable.

OTHER SKILLS

Excellent drafting skills required. Good knowledge and experience with UN work on gender equality, violence against women, or human rights will be an asset.

HOW TO APPLY

The project officer will be located in the Division for the Advancement of Women in New York and will work under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Women’s Rights Section. S/he must be able to start work as soon as possible, but not later than 1 April 2008.

Expressions of interest, together with a CV and a brief (5 pages) writing sample, should be sent not later than 11 February 2008 by email to Anna Tarant at [email protected] , or by fax to (1-212) 963 3463, subject: Violence against women – Senior project officer.